Barkley would have absolutely dominated the older horse division at Emerald Downs this year if it wasn't for that pesky Riser.

As it is, tho, he got two wins, including the G3 Longacres Mile; 2 seconds (to Riser); and one 4th (again, losing to Riser). He actually got 5th but Riser got disqualified for being very naughty and running sideways into Barkley's shoulder at the start. It was very very fortunate that neither was seriously injured and both came back to race in the Rainier Handicap (yeah, I know they're calling it a Stakes now, but it will always be a Handicap to me) a month later. And his multi-year rivalry with Mach One Rules has been more or less declared over, with Mach just not keeping up after being gelded. Maybe he was intimidated by all the studly pawing Barkley kept doing in the paddock.

He will possibly get Older Horse and Horse of the Meet honors, which should be announced the last weekend of this month.

Barkley would have absolutely dominated the older horse division at Emerald Downs this year if it wasn't for that pesky Riser.

As it is, tho, he got two wins, including the G3 Longacres Mile; 2 seconds (to Riser); and one 4th (again, losing to Riser). He actually got 5th but Riser got disqualified for being very naughty and running sideways into Barkley's shoulder at the start. It was very very fortunate that neither was seriously injured and both came back to race in the Rainier Handicap (yeah, I know they're calling it a Stakes now, but it will always be a Handicap to me) a month later. And his multi-year rivalry with Mach One Rules has been more or less declared over, with Mach just not keeping up after being gelded. Maybe he was intimidated by all the studly pawing Barkley kept doing in the paddock.

He will possibly get Older Horse and Horse of the Meet honors, which should be announced the last weekend of this month.

As far as I know Mach One Rules has been a gelding since he began his career. Being gelded didn't impede him last year when he was clearly the better horse. Riser was clearly the best this year.